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Community notices (Dec. 12)

Western New Mexico University will offer Geology of New Mexico course this spring semester beginning Jan. 13. It will meet on Tuesdays from 5:30-8:15 p.m. The course number is CRN 20218 (GEOL 215).

The course is an exploration of the geologic history of New Mexico and the rocks and events that have shaped the landscape. There are no prerequisites for the course and experience or prior knowledge in the subject is not needed. Basic principles needed to understand the history of geology in the state will be discussed. The course is popular with community members who can choose to enroll as a grade or audit.

Christmas Tree Lighting >> Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Sunday Dec. 15 at Gough Park. Members of Preceptor Tau Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi invites everyone to "Light Up Your Life" as the Christmas tree lights turn on and members gather to sing some Christmas carols. The Moose Lodge, Western Bank, Am Bank, Laureate Theta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, Walmart, Aunt Judy's Attic, and Artistic Impressions Hair Salon helped to purchase the lights. The tree lighting is free and open to the public.

Adult education services partners with Silver City Library >> A recent water break at Watts Hall where adult education services (AES) normally offers courses to the community at no cost has created an opportunity for AES to partner with the Silver City Public Library to host course offerings through the end of the semester.

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Class participants who are currently enrolled in the high school equivalency (GED) and English as a second language (ESL) classes will continue their classes at the Silver City Public Library. The GED classes meet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9-10:30 a.m. and the ESL classes meet Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11-12:30 p.m.

Adult Education Services representatives will be on hand during these times to register any community members who wish to enroll in these free courses for the spring semester. For information, call AES, 575-574-5101.

Holiday Jewelry and Gift Show >> Seedboat Gallery, 214 W. Yankie St., will host a holiday jewelry and gift show through Dec. 31. Gallery hours are from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and by appointment Sunday through Tuesday. For information, call 575-534-1136.

Silver City Downtown Business and Gallery Celebration Sale >> This celebration sale will be going on downtown Silver City for the whole month of December. Participating businesses will have a flyer with a shooting star in their windows. Any business who wants to take part can call Luanne, 575-590-2006. It is free to businesses and advertised in the Dessert Exposure and Glenwood Gazette. All the local organizations like Main Street, both Chambers, the Art and Culture District and MRAC are supporting it. The more businesses taking part the better.

Rotary Club seeking donations >> Rotary Club has chosen Literacy Link - Leamos as a recipient of the Rotary Grant for 2014. The grant will help Literacy Link - Leamos by assisting with the continuance of our core programs and the purchase of materials to keep our program running.

The club is requesting for assist by donating an item or service to the auction. The Rotary Club seeks donations of new items valued at least $25. They are limiting the hanging art. Any second-hand donation needs to be in excellent condition. Among items donated in 2012 were jewelry, new clothing, sculpture, tools, household equipment, services, restaurant meals, accommodations at inns and lodges, cruises.

All donations may be tax deductible, and substantial notice and advertisement will be provided. All donors and items will be mentioned and promoted throughout the duration of the event.

For information, call Linda Ferrara, 575-519-9249.

New Mexico volunteers are needed >> Volunteers are need for the free tax help programs Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). The VITA and TCE programs offer free tax help to people with low-to-moderate income, senior citizens, persons with disability, those who have limited English proficiency and others who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. Training will be offered in December and January. Tax law instruction and training materials will be provided at no cost. Tax season begins in February and runs through tax day, April 15, 2014. For information, email taxvolunteer@irs.gov or volunteer online irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14310.pdf or call the IRS, 800-829-1040.